Following an extensive two-year renovation, the historic Beaulieu Vineyard (BV)—dating back to 1885—has officially reopened its doors. Located along the iconic Highway 29 in the heart of Napa Valley, the estate features an original stone winery crafted from local stone and river-mud mortar. Officially registered as Bonded Winery No. 71 in Napa, the structure proudly retains its original 1885 signage.
An international design and construction team spearheaded the restoration, retrofitting the building for seismic safety while prioritizing the reuse of original building materials. To advance its sustainability efforts, the winery installed an extensive array of solar panels in the back field and purchased renewable energy credits, allowing the facility to operate as 100% self-powered.
Recently I had a chance to visit BV and experience the exquisite and unique elements of the renovation. The visit was hosted by Luke Magnini, General Manager and Hospitality Director at Beaulieu Vineyard. He oversees a team of more than 20 full and part-time employees. BV also features an executive chef, Sam McKenzie and a crew of very talented kitchen staff.
Honoring a Storied Legacy At BV Winery
The redesign thoughtfully integrates BV’s rich history, transforming the historic winery into a two story hospitality center with multiple tasting rooms and venues. The original statue of legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff has been relocated to the entryway, and founder, Georges de Latour’s remarkable 1925 Cadillac remains on display.
During the project, workers discovered a rare 1919 bottle of BV Cabernet Sauvignon labeled “Rutherford”—marking it as one of the earliest examples of both varietal and American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation in Napa Valley. This heritage is celebrated across a massive library wall documenting the estate’s history and its notable guests, which included the likes of Winston Churchill and Rock Hudson. Key historical artifacts are also showcased, such as notebook pages from 1938 containing Tchelistcheff’s meticulous Cabernet analyses, written shortly after his arrival to help revive Napa’s wine industry from the ravages of Prohibition.
Architectural Highlights and Exclusive Spaces at BV Winery
Architectural reclamation is a core theme of the new design. Reclaimed wood from the winery’s historic redwood tanks now forms the ceiling of the main tasting room. This stunning two-story space features a soaring central atrium centered around a Japanese maple tree, with natural light streaming in through expansive windows and a slated wooden roof.
The architecture firm chosen for the innovation was Signum Architecture, led by Juancarlos Fernandez, Partner and Kirsten Shinnamon Baker, Senior Architect & Project Manager.
The estate now offers several distinct tasting environments, including a private room dedicated to The Rarity. This ultra-exclusive wine is crafted only from the finest Georges de Latour wines from vintages that achieve exceptional quality and sufficient volume; to date, only six vintages have ever been released, including 2013, 2016, and the upcoming 2024 release. Another unique upstairs room preserves a piece of the building’s working past, featuring historic chalk graffiti left on the second-floor wooden ceiling.
The interior design is stunning with rich burgundy and pale gold accents featured in the comfortable chairs, devans, and wooden tables with smooth pale surfaces. The design was overseen by Janet Mercier, Associate Principle at BAMO Design.
Tasting Insights: From BV Renovation Red to Georges de Latour
The visit included a tasting of a special commemorative bottling, the 2022 BV Renovation Red Blend. Crafted in a distinctly old-school style, the wine displays classic cassis and herbal notes, high acidity, and an earthy profile rich with graphite and heavily structured tannins. While less approachable on its own—firmly cementing it as a food-pairing wine—it offered a fascinating contrast to modern profiles.
Another special treat was trying the 2020 Madame de Latour Red Blend. This is a very elegant wine composed of cabernet sauvignon and malbec grapes from the Coombsville and Rutherford AVAs of Napa Valley. With a beautiful floral nose of violets with crushed berries, it glides across the palate with notes of red plum, blueberry and spices, eveloped in velvety tannins and crisp acidity with a long lingering finish.
Naturally, the legendary BV Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon had to be sampled. In this case we tried the 2021, which is surprisingly approachable and fruit-forward compared to the massive tannins and intense concentration of older vintages. With its medium-body and exceptional balance, it leads with bright, ripe red plum and berry notes, supported by fine tannins and a signature touch of Rutherford mocha. The wine has been highly acclaimed by critics, earning 98 points from both Decanter and James Suckling.
Wine Tasting Experiences at BV Winery
If you are interested in visiting the newly renovated BV winery, there are a variety of tasting experiences which can be booked in advance on the website. Some of the highlights include: The 1885 Tasting ($50), Heritage Tasting ($80), Discover Beaulieu: A Walk with the Maestro ($95), The Georges de Latour Table ($150), and The Time Traveler Experience ($300).
